The Saguache County Museum

The Saguache County Museum occupies a building partially constructed over 125 years ago.  It has functioned over the years as a school, temporary courthouse, and a residence for jailkeepers and their families. The old jail, built in 1908, is an adobe building finished with stucco.  The interior has a sheriff's office, a women's or V.I.P. cell, and a large room or "bull pen" with an escape-proof maximum security "cage".  This jail was used until 1958.  Original graffiti done by prisoners still adorns the walls.

Historic, nostalgic, memorable, and educational are some of the words that describe a visit to the Saguache County Museum.  In an age when we are spoiled with easily acquired (and soon discarded) possessions, we can step into the past here and learn from earlier generations.  They had to be able to create most of the items they needed, first in order simply to survive, and later to bring more comfort into their lives.  They used and cherished their possessions, passing them on to the next generation to save or use until they were worn out or no longer needed.  Take a tour and see how the pioneers lived. 


The early history of Saguache is spiced with the story of Alferd E. Packer, who was charged in 1874 with murdering, robbing and eating portions of his five prospecting companions.  Staffers are prepared to relate the puzzling story of this man, who was at first condemned to death, escaped, recaptured and given the sentence of 40 years for voluntary manslaughter.



Located near the Museum, at 807 Pitkin Avenue, is the restored Hazard House, built in 1913.  This house was a gift to the Museum from Georgie Marie Hazard Givan in 1994.  It was opened to the public as part of the Saguache County Museum in May, 1997.  The home depicts the affluent life-style and furnishings of the wealthier Saguache families of the 1920s and 1930s.

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Click on any image for a larger view and more information

	HAND-DRAWN FIRE TRUCK
MUSEUM STAFFER MARGARET FINNERTY Playing the Corona Reed Pipe
	NAVAJO RUGS
GRAFFITI On the Jailhouse Wall
For more images, take our room-by-room tour.